Drivers in Burton are being reminded to set their alarms earlier tomorrow as major roadworks begin on a major route in the town.

The three-month closure of St Peter's Bridge will kick off tomorrow and residents are being warned to factor in extra time to their journeys and prepare for long diversions in and around the town.

Earlier this month Staffordshire County Council announced plans to put the bridge out of use until November, so that essential repairs can be made to "life-expired" bearings, which are needed to keep the bridge safe.

Vital strengthening work by Staffordshire County Council, along with waterproofing and resurfacing, will allow HGVs to continue to access the town and will be followed by improvements to Burton Bridge in the New Year.

With the planned closure of St Peter's Bridge for 3 months, it is likely to cause additional traffic on an already chaotic bridge.
St Peter's Bridge
With the planned closure of St Peter's Bridge for 3 months, it is likely to cause additional traffic on an already chaotic bridge. St Peter's Bridge

Other roadworks have taken place during the past week to improve the diversion routes which will be used in full force, come tomorrow.

The council's cabinet member responsible for highways, Mark Deaville said the project is an "important investment in the gateways to the town and will help make a real difference to the long-term prosperity of people in Burton."

He told the Burton Mail: "We are reminding people that from Tuesday, August 29, St Peter's Bridge will be fully closed so the essential repair work can be carried out safely.

With the planned closure of St Peter's Bridge for 3 months, it is likely to cause additional traffic on an already chaotic bridge.
Burton Bridge, Bridge Street
With the planned closure of St Peter's Bridge for 3 months, it is likely to cause additional traffic on an already chaotic bridge. Burton Bridge, Bridge Street

"The scheme is vital for the future prosperity of Burton and will strengthen and protect the route for the long-term. This is a major project and will mean the bridge will be free of unplanned and disruptive maintenance work in the future, and help support local businesses and economic growth.

"Once again I would ask people to bear with us as the work is carried out and thank them in advance for their co-operation and patience."

To allow the strengthening work to be carried out safely, St Peter's Bridge will be closed both ways with traffic diverted via Burton Bridge and pedestrians to the Ferry Bridge.

The news attracted debate and anger among Burton Mail readers who took to social media to have their say.

St Peter's Bridge will be closing for three months
St Peter's Bridge will be closing for three months

Louise Ruprecht said: "I can’t even imagine the chaos this will cause. I am not looking forward to the daily school run across the river and the returning to work in town. What an utter nightmare."

Tony Whiting said: "We are doomed. I am going to buy a tent and pitch it outside work for the three months while the misery goes on."

Neil Haywood added: "Burton is rubbish to get in and out of and if I did not have to drive there for work I would never go. It is quicker to drive to Derby."

Work is expected to take around three months and should be completed by the end of November.

This photograph of a life expired bearing shows the extent of the corrosion

Details for the St Peter’s Bridge works diversion are as follows:

For vehicles travelling east, the diversion route will be via A5189 Orchard Street, Evershed Way, Shobnall Road, A5121 Wellington Street, Waterloo Street, Byrkley Street, Derby Street, A511 Horninglow Street, Wetmore Road, Bridge Street (Burton Bridge) and A444 Stapenhill Road.

For vehicles travelling west the diversion route will be via A444 Stapenhill Road, A511 Bridge Street (Burton Bridge), Horninglow Street, A5121 Derby Street, Borough Road, Wellington Street, A5189 Shobnall Road, Evershed Way and Orchard Street.

People can find out more about the scheme by visiting www.staffordshire.gov.uk/burtonbridges